Farmers Bailing Hay Hope To Get "Bailed" Out By Weather

Farmers have been trying to get in the fields and bail hay for some time now. The weather has been anything but cooperative.

Here is the weekly report by the Missouri Department Of Agriculture.

Hay season and the perception of hay quality, yields and value are running the gamut this year. While some producers have had high quality bales at barn busting quantities, put-up for some time. Others are yet to have rolled any hay up and watch as the maturity dwindles down the quality each passing day.

Even small producerswith unfertilized fields are seeing higher than normal grass yields and most everyone is thankful for the ability to restock the back corners f their barn for the next round of tight times. Those harvesting alfalfa are not feeling quite as fortunate and are hoping to just get enough for the season. Marketing hay is a challenge that all are facing equally. There just don't seem to be many shoppers right now, much less serious buyers. Trucking costs are limiting the out-of-state sales too. The local sales are mostly being talked about in a "wait for fall" way right now. Supply is moderate, demand is light and prices are weak.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture has a hay directory available for both buyers and sellers. To be listed, or for a directory visit http://mda.mo.gov/abd/haydirectory/ or for current listings of hay http://agebb.missouri.edu/haylst/ (All prices f.o.b. and per ton unless specified and on most recent reported sales prices listed as round bales based generally on 5x6 bales with weights of approximately 1200-1500 lbs).

Fescue seed harvest is wrapping up for those in the Southeast, while the Northwest region is just about to get started. The Southwest region of the state reports excellent quality with flourishing fields and a rapid harvest.

South Central buyers are seeing the best quality in years. Central and Northeast Missouri are reporting only good quality. All harvest is expected to be complete by the end of next week.